Grantham
You needn’t worry about sending a gift.
These two are among the dozens of scarecrows now standing throughout town, part of a Grantham Recreation Department program that’s been taking place for a decade. The tradition was started in 2007 by Laurie Field while she was serving as the town’s activity director.
“Laurie and her family organized and involved the community in a way that made the scarecrows a big hit in their first year, and the town has maintained the tradition ever since as an effort involving the town, businesses and individuals,” Selectboard Chairman Sheridan Brown said in an email.
I visited Grantham on Wednesday after hearing from one of our readers about the display. The scarecrows are mainly gathered along Route 10, Grantham’s main drag. There, in addition to the bride and bridegroom, my favorites included a firefighter in full turnout gear stationed outside the Grantham Fire Department and a happy hairdresser — complete with purple rollers in her straw ’do.
Residents can purchase kits to make their own scarecrows for $20 at the Selectboard’s office, Brown said. The kits include a wooden frame, a burlap square for a head, 20 feet of jute twine and instructions. Buyers provide the clothing and the stuffing for their scarecrows, and can paint or design the face any way they like. The town is also offering fully assembled scarecrows for $75. Buyers can provide clothing, a sign and other props to go with it, Brown said. The town will maintain, store and set up the scarecrow for two seasons.
A word of caution: If you’re out viewing the scarecrows, be sure to put safety first and be aware of traffic.
Editor’s note: For more information, visit www.granthamnh.net. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
